The Hadley Property Group has been granted planning permission by Bromley Council to demolish the Blenheim Centre in Penge and replace it with a massive, super dense housing development which includes a 16 storey tower block.

The process by which the application was approved (by Bromley’s Development Control Committe on 5 March 2024) was questionable, unfair and defies all logic.

In particular, there was a strong objection by the London Fire Brigade who stated, in effect, that the proposed tower blocks are likely to be inherently unsafe for two reasons: First, the kitchens, a major source of ignition, are next to the exit doors of the flats, and second, the building only just complies with the latest fire safety protocols. They stated that:

Whilst we note that transitional arrangements will apply, it is the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)’s position, as stated in the December 2022 NFCC ‘Single Staircases Policy Position Statement’ that all residential buildings over 18m or seven storeys in height should be provided with multiple staircases. We therefore do not see this as deferring to the spirit of the guidance used and doesn’t ethically justify this decision.

In the light of the Grenfell disaster, we are gravely concerned that Bromley Council may have approved a potential death trap.

The plans were approved despite over 1200 objections being made.

All is not lost, however: The plans still need to be approved by the GLA. This is normally a rubber stamping exercise, but it is possible to overturn Bromley’s decision, if it can be shown to be grossly inappropriate, a contravention of various aspects of the London Plan, and an abuse of process.

Click here for information on what to do next.

We need to take action NOW: The introduction of one tower block estate could lead to more being built – Penge could easily become another Croydon style hell hole. As an example, we have heard reports, which have not been officially confirmed, that plans are afoot to compulsorily purchase the entire estate behind the Blenheim Centre and replace it with 8 35 storey tower blocks. (Note: No Hadley involvement.) There is also a possibility more tower blocks could be built in and around Penge – there are several possible sites. We understand that plans to replace the Ametek site in Oakfield Road with two 40 storey tower blocks has been shelved, but other plans and locations for high-rise flats are being considered.

If we do nothing, our high street could soon look like this:.

And eventually this: